External iSight not working on Powerbook G4

Hi,
I have had an external isight for awhile, however recently it has not been working. When I plug the camera into the firewire port the green light at the top lights up, then the camera makes a shuttering noise and then the light goes off. Twisting the lens to try to turn the camera on or off does nothing. The trouble shooting does not seem to work either. When I look to see if the firewire cable fuctions properly I go to the system profiler while the cable is inserted and all it says is, firewire bus speed 800mb/sec Speed. Should it tell me if a firewire cable is plugged in or not?
So I was wondering if i need a new cable, my firewire port is defective or if it is the camera.
Thanks
Ckwillia

Welcome to Apple Discussions, Ckwillia
You have done some good troubleshooting. The other suggestions in How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional should help you track down your problem with external iSight.
The fact that your iSight does not show as a Firewire device in System Profiler is a problem. Rule out the easy-to-fix possibilities like cables, ports, or connections. If necessary, try resetting the Firewire ports, and check your ports with another Firewire device if you have one or check your iSight on another OS X Mac.
When you get things working, with a working external iSight connected, your System Profiler should show iSight info like that in the following partial screenshot:
If it turns out to be the camera, you will need the services of an Apple Service Technician. There are no user serviceable parts in iSight.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 External iSight

Similar Messages

External iSight not working on my intel iMac

I have a few reasons to want to use my external iSight instead of the built-in, sometimes using both at the same time. A few months ago I had tested it and it worked flawlessly and I could even write a small quartzcomposer application that used both.
But just a few weeks ago (and many system updates later) my iSight just stopped working. I tested the camera with a powerbook and it worked perfectly, so it does not seems a hardware fault.
When I plug it in, the light turns on for one second then turns off and the mac does not recognize the extra camera.
Any tips?
thanks

Have you looked here;
iMac G5 (iSight), iMac (Early 2006): Using an external video camera

External iSight not working on iMac, works on Macbook despite same software

Hello!
I have an External iSight that when I plug into my Macbook (running latest Mac OS) works just fine with iChat AND Adobe Flash Webchats...
However, when I plug it into my new iMac, the green light will turn on, but the it doesn't show on ANY applications that there is an External iSight available.
The only difference is that I am connecting the iSight with an 4 to 8 pin adapter: When I plug it in, it acts the same as it does with the MacBook--the green light turns on, it makes a sound, and is ready for usage. However, I can't get it to work with any programs on my iMac.
My PRIMARY concern, is I need it to work with Adobe Flash Webchats. Help!

Hello, macboyme
Consider the following in any order you find relevant for your system:
(0) You write that you are using a 4pin to 8pin adapter. However, I think you mean 6pin to 9pin adapter.
External iSight is a Firewire device that uses a 6pin Firewire 400 connector.
Newer Macs have only 9pin Firewire 800 connectors, so it is common to use 6pin to 9pin adapters similar to the one I normally use:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/FIR1369AD/
The only 8 pin cables and adapters I could find were USB. They won't work on Firewire devices.
4pin Firewire is a mini connection that I have only seen in cameras. If you really are using a 4 and/or 8 pin cable, I suggest you try a different Firewire adapter method.
My suggestions below are based on using a 6pin to 9pin adapter like that mentioned above or cable like this one I have also successfully used:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TP320LL/A
(1) Test in another User Account on your iMac. Be sure to also consider all the other suggestions for external iSight from:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
You do not say which of your Macs has only FW800 ports that require a Firewire adapter. To remove as many variables as possible, test the same cables and Firewire 400-800 adapter on both Macs if it is possible to do so. If you only use the adapter on one Mac, it is possible that the adapter is the cause of your trouble. If one of your Macs has only FW400 and the other has only FW800, test with a different adapter or use a 6pin-9pin cable to test both your Firewire iSight. Also, test another Firewire 400 device to eliminate the possibility that your problem is caused by one of your connections.
(2) For additional ideas on how to test external iSight, consider the additional suggestions here:
http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
Unless the software and connected peripherals are EXACTLY the same on both your iMac and your MacBook, be sure to consider possible hardware or software conflicts with something else installed in or connected to your iMac. A link to more info about conflicts is included in the "How to test..." page.
(3) If you can rule out both possible conflicts and connection problems in the iMac, the problem must be either in your iMac's user account or in the system software used to operate your external iSight.
You can rule out problems with the user account by testing in several different accounts.
If the problem is EXACTLY the same in any user account you test on your iMac, your system software is suspect. Backup all your important files, repair permissions, and apply the 10.6.4 Combo Update:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1048
Follow the restart that completes the Combo Update with another permissions repair. Then test iSight again.
(4) Once your external iSight works correctly with your iMac's QuickTimeX, iChat, etc., it will work as well with Flash video websites as it does when you are running it from your MacBook.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.4) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

External isight not working with Macbook Pro early 2008

My external isight is not working with my Macbook Pro early 2008 (2.4 GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo, 6 GB RAM, OSX Lion). It goes warm when plugged into the firewire port but is not recognized in system prefs (lists as "unknown device" and also does not turn on (green light. I tried resetting PRAM and all the other stuff as suggested here but no luck. It used to work fine on a 1st generation Macbook and I remember that one of the first times I tried it with this machine here it turned on for a few secs (green light) but then it just simply stopped.
Unfortunately, I have no other firewire device to check the port.
Any ideas, dear community?

Our (old) external Firewire iSights can be sensitive to dust, shock, vibration, humidity, and other environmental factors in storage. (I store my spare in its original plastic shipping case with a new desiccant pack on a solid shelf - never in a desk drawer or other container that moves.)
You have tried several good things and may be finding that your old iSight needs work.
Here are the alternatives I can offer. Consider any you have not tried in any order you like:
(1) You can try Apple's suggestions from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
Test in more than one user account and with more than one Apple softwre application.
(2) My expanded suggestions here: http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
(3) Reset Firewire ports using the info from this old archived Apple article: http://web.archive.org/web/20090331211534/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1317
(4) If you have no local Apple Authorized service Provider who can help you, other service options are here: http://www.apple.com/support/isight/service/
(5) Consider a new USB cam with current warranty such as one of these: http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
Message was edited by: EZ Jim

External Isight Not Working With Mac Mini

Hello
Thank You for taking the time to look at this for me , I have 2 external isight cameras and i can get neither one to work with my late 2009 mac mini running snow leopard , although they both work on the latest mac mini (running lion) , When connected they open Ichat Av but i cant get a video from them.
Thanks In Advance

27/10/2012 11:10:33
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
27/10/2012 11:11:02
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
27/10/2012 11:11:05
com.apple.WindowServer[79]
Sat Oct 27 11:11:05 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[79] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
27/10/2012 11:11:34
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
27/10/2012 11:11:38
[0x0-0xa00a].SoftwareUpdateCheck[173]
SoftwareUpdateCheck: network unreachable
27/10/2012 11:11:38
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
([0x0-0xa00a].SoftwareUpdateCheck[173]) Exited with exit code: 3
27/10/2012 11:11:38
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.suhelperd[175]) Exited with exit code: 2
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[190]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[190]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
27/10/2012 11:11:43
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[187]) Exited with exit code: 1
27/10/2012 11:11:44
WitnessUserAgent[191]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
27/10/2012 11:11:54
WitnessUserAgent[191]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x10ea50>
27/10/2012 11:12:26
uclocator[192]
Core Location could not establish your current location
27/10/2012 11:12:26
uclocator[192]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
27/10/2012 11:12:39
System Preferences[217]
.scriptSuite warning for result type of command 'timedLoad' in suite 'SystemPreferences': the type NSNumber ('long') doesn't match the result Apple event code ('doub').
27/10/2012 11:12:59
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[34]) Exited with exit code: 255
27/10/2012 11:13:11
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.AirPortBaseStationAgent[189]) Exited: Killed
30/10/2012 16:51:29
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 16:51:55
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 16:51:56
com.apple.WindowServer[87]
Tue Oct 30 16:51:56 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[87] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 16:52:00
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[136]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[136]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 16:52:10
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 16:53:35
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[196]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 16:53:35
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[196]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 16:53:36
WitnessUserAgent[197]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 16:53:36
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[160]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[193]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 16:53:50
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:50
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:52
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:53
WitnessUserAgent[197]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x401100>
30/10/2012 16:53:54
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:55
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:53:55
Photo Booth[182]
*** <QCNodeManager | namespace = "com.apple.QuartzComposer" | 391 nodes>: There is already a node registered with name "/userbackdrops"
30/10/2012 16:54:25
uclocator[198]
Core Location could not establish your current location
30/10/2012 16:54:25
uclocator[198]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
30/10/2012 16:55:07
iChatAgent[225]
[Warning] [AIM] Could not change my visibility to 0
30/10/2012 17:01:48
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:48
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:49
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:01:49
[0x0-0x1c01c].com.skype.skype[258]
WirelessAttach: IOServiceOpen error: e00002c7
30/10/2012 17:04:01
iChat[222]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 17:04:23
iChat[222]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 20:38:13
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 20:38:45
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 20:38:48
com.apple.WindowServer[78]
Tue Oct 30 20:38:48 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[78] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 20:38:48
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[129]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:39:07
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[184]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[184]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:39:11
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[158]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[181]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 20:39:11
WitnessUserAgent[185]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 20:40:09
com.apple.launchd[1]
*** launchd[1] has started up. ***
30/10/2012 20:40:35
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd) Unknown key for boolean: SuccessfulExit
30/10/2012 20:40:36
com.apple.WindowServer[87]
Tue Oct 30 20:40:36 Jordan-Bakers-Mac-mini.local WindowServer[87] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.
30/10/2012 20:40:38
com.apple.launchd[1]
(com.apple.xprotectupdater[33]) Exited with exit code: 252
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[128]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.parallels.vm.prl_naptd[128]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key for string: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.kodak.BonjourAgent) Unknown key: Kodak Version
30/10/2012 20:40:49
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.apple.ReportCrash) Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
(com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[182]) Exited with exit code: 1
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[185]
QKqueueFileSystemWatcherEngine::addPaths: open: No such file or directory
30/10/2012 20:40:50
com.parallels.vm.prl_pcproxy[185]
QFileSystemWatcher: failed to add paths: /Library/Managed Preferences
30/10/2012 20:40:50
WitnessUserAgent[186]
WitnessUserAgent r304 started for user 501
30/10/2012 20:40:52
WitnessUserAgent[186]
Connected to daemon: <BUDaemonServer: 0x10f390>
30/10/2012 20:41:30
uclocator[187]
Core Location could not establish your current location
30/10/2012 20:41:30
uclocator[187]
Error Domain=kCLErrorDomain Code=0 "The operation couldn’t be completed. (kCLErrorDomain error 0.)"
30/10/2012 20:42:21
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
([0x0-0x11011].com.apple.iChat[209]) Exited: Terminated
30/10/2012 20:44:07
iChatAgent[230]
[Warning] [AIM] Could not change my visibility to 0
30/10/2012 20:44:41
iChat[228]
------ startPreview: previewing: 2
30/10/2012 20:45:26
com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[159]
([0x0-0x18018].com.apple.iChat[228]) Exited: Killed

External iSight not working properly, please offer advice

I purchased an original iSight after having problems with my USB cam. I just did a clean install of Leopard on my mac pro. The USB cam would get errors in iChat such as "Camera in use by another application, etc).
I uninstalled the iChatUSBcam software, checked the Library/quicktime folder, etc.
I hooked up the iSight and it seemed to work, then the video went a bit haywire. I thought it was just a glitch, but when I tried to video chat, the other user could not hear my voice. I checked the System pref sound input and it was on the iSIght, but the meter was not responding properly.
I thought it may be a hardware issue, so I tested the iSight on my mac mini (G4) - It worked perfectly.
I have uninstalled iChat and reinstalled it from the Leopard disk. Still no go...
Does anyone have any thoughts?

Hello mlevack
You have tried a lot of things. Here are a few ideas you can consider.
(0) Check for possible hardware or software conflicts.
(1) With all unnecessary peripherals disconnected, try any suggestions you have not yet used from How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional.
(2) Try testing with some of the computer saavy human testers in Ralph John's list of Contact Testers. I know the page says for iChat 2.1 and 3.x, but you should be able to test with them. Ralph and some of the others also have iChat 4 if testing with that becomes necessary.
(3) If you are willing, post your chat name in your Biography or some other location in your Public Profile, and I will try to contact you for a test when I am on-line.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.10) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5) External iSight

ISight not working with Webex, GoToMeeting or Lync...BUT works with Skype, Facetime, Photobooth (June 2013 MBA)

Brand new MacBook Air (June 2013, 8MB RAM, 500GB SSD)
iSight not working with Cisco Webex, Citrix GoToMeeting or Microsoft Lync (error = webcam not detected); BUT iSight works with Skype, Facetime and Photobooth.
3 hours of phone support with Webex - no luck.
Tried SMC and PRAM reset - no luck.
Tried erasing disk and reinstalling OSX 10.8.4 and apps manually with latest versions - no luck.
Apple phone support says it's not Apple's problem because Apple apps work.
Exchanged at Apple Store for another new MacBook Air, again installed apps manually with latest version (not from time machine) - STILL NO LUCK!!!
Is there an update Apple or Cisco, Citrix and Microsoft need to put out for the new MBAs or do I just have 2 lemons???

You're welcome.
1wave wrote: ... an external webcam which might be a cheaper alternative ...
It will be interesting to see what the vendors say about using a Mac-compatible external webcam.
If not, some netbook or other Windows® device might offer compatibility at a much lower cost than a compatible Apple notebook.
We will watch for your update(s). What the vendors tell you will be very helpful to others who share this or similar issues with their new MBAs.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.8.4

Firewire iSight not working with 3rd party software on Leopard

I just installed OSX Leopard and not able to use firewire isight on any program other than ichat. I use 3rd party software for video conferencing (educational setting) and need an external iSight so as to position the camera on larger groups. Anyone have any suggestions?

My external iSight is working fine with QuickTime Pro, iMovie, Photo Booth (v2).
If http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93240 does not get things working, and especially if your problem is only with your 3rd party app, contact the developer to see if there are known issues with Leopard.
Jim Destin

My macbook pro external speaker not working! help please

My macbook pro external speaker not working! help please

1. Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup
    Audio Devices window
     Pllug in the speakers.
     Do they show up?
     Make sure that Mute is not enabled.
2. Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
    Choose the method for:
    "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
Best.

ISight not working, not found camera

I'm using macbook pro retina 2013, has just update OS X 10.9.2 (13C64), iSight not working, not found camera

lastday wrote: ... I don't know where "ScreenRecyclerDriver" come from, ...
It was created when someone installed ScreenRecycler on your system.
ScreenRecycler is a third-party add-on. ScreenRecycler system requirements show the OS X 10.8 release version is still in beta. It is possible that you have updated your Mac OS but not yet found a compatible version of ScreenRecycler.
ScreenRecycler is also mentioned in multiple other Apple Discussions problem topics including these:
Loose all logins with ScreenRecyclerDriver: Apple Support Communities
Safari won't open - crashes immediately: Apple Support Communities
Kernal Panic after mountain lion install: Apple Support Communities
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.9

ISight not working on user account

Okay so I did all the troubleshooting techniques and narrowed it down to my iSight not working on my main account.
It works perfectly fine on another account though.
Does anyone know how to fix it on my main account?
I really don't want to have to log into my guest account every time I want to use Photobooth.
I have a Macbook Pro running OS X version 10.5.8

Well done! You have used the troubleshooting tips to prove that your normal (old) user account is damaged.
Cassie D wrote: ... Does anyone know how to fix it on my main account? ... 10.5.8
Because there are many thousands of files in any OS X system, I have never successfully "repaired" a user account. It is faster, easier, and more reliable to merely change to a new account that works properly. Here is how I do it.
First, if you do not already have one, make a current backup of your important files. If you need help, see: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1553
Next, decide whether you want to use one of the existing test user accounts that you already know works. Renaming account names can cause serious problems, so if you want a different name for your new everyday user account, it is best to create account with the name you like. Test the new account, too, to be sure it is working properly before proceeding.
Now, copy needed data from your backup into your new user account that works. Begin using this new account as your every-day "main" login account. Do not move or delete anything from the old (damaged) account at this time.
If you must add any third-party items to your new account, add only one at a time. Test thoroughly before adding another third-party item. This technique will help you quickly identify any particular item that might have been the cause of a conflict in your old account.
Use your new account long enough so you can be certain that everything you do with your Mac is working properly in the new account. Depending on how you use your Mac, this can take weeks or even months.
When you are certain that all is well with the new account that is now your normal account, you can throw away your damaged (old) original user account folder to reclaim its disk space.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Built-in iSight not working with Skype

Hi, I have an iMac Intel Core with Built-in iSight, and ever since I've upgraded to Snow Leopard OS, my Skype does not recognize my webcam- when I select the "Built-in iSight" option, it says it is in use by another applications, and when I select the "Built-in iSight (leopard)" option, it's just a green screen.
I've tried reinstalling, updating, and calling Apple. My friend uses Skype on Snow Leopard with a MacBook Pro 13'' and his works fine.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jonathan Borichef

jborichef wrote:
Hi, I have an iMac Intel Core with Built-in iSight, and ever since I've upgraded to Snow Leopard OS, my Skype does not recognize my webcam- when I select the "Built-in iSight" option, it says it is in use by another applications, and when I select the "Built-in iSight (leopard)" option, it's just a green screen.
I've tried reinstalling, updating, and calling Apple. My friend uses Skype on Snow Leopard with a MacBook Pro 13'' and his works fine.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jonathan Borichef
For any iSight trouble, start with Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090
If your iSight problem occurs in more than one app and more than one user account, the reset suggested there often restores proper function of inbuilt iSight.
However, if after carefully following all the suggestions in the "How to Troubleshoot iSight" article, your built-in iSight still does not work, and if it does not show as a USB device in your Mac's System Profiler, yours is most likely a hardware problem. In that case, contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service.
If Skype is your only problem app, you can get help for Skype specific questions here:
http://www.skype.com/help/guides/
Skype even has its own dedicated forum for help from Skype users: http://forum.skype.com/
For any Skype questions or problems, you will probably get faster and better help from the Skype users or Skype Tech Support. Search or post in the appropriate Skype Support area.
If you still cannot find what you need, check https://support.skype.com/search_first/
before contacting Tech Support: https://support.skype.com/support_selection
Of course we will be happy to try to help with Apple questions here in Discussions.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.2) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.2)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

Isight not working with skype and tokbox after snow leopard upgrade

Recently, I upgraded from Tiger to Snow Leopard. After the upgrade, I found that my built-in iSight camera wasn't recognized on TokBox. On Skype, it said that the iSight camera was in use by another application (however no other applications were running). The iSight is working with iChat, so I don't know what is wrong... everything was fine when I was using Tiger!

hellokitty650 wrote:
Okay, so I restarted my computer and that didn't work.
Then, I went through the suggestions from the link you posted. I found that the iSight works in iChat and Photobooth; however, it does not work in iMovie HD (exactly the same in both user accounts on my computer). Just like before, the iSight is "in use by another application" in Skype on both user accounts.
I reset the SMC, but it didn't seem to help anything. Everything was acting the same as before I reset it.
I also noticed that my iTunes and my iMovie won't open; they both quit unexpectedly every time I try to open them. This happens in both user accounts as well.
Okay, so it will be simplest to work your issues in steps. We will start with iMovie.
Use your Mac's Disk Utility to repair permissions. Then reinstall iMovie HD 6. Repair permissions again after the installer finishes.
If the version of iMovie HD 6 in your iLife '06 DVD is not "6.0.3", download and install the update:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL319
If you need to do this update, repair permissions again after the update is finished.
Test the reinstalled iMovie HD 6 to see if it works in more than one user account and post back the results.
EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.4) MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

External iSight not recognized

I have been reading up on iSight connection troubles for a while now, to no avail.
My *external firewire isight* stopped being recognized and/or turned on from one day to the next.
It *does not function in any software* (iVisit, iChat) i have been using it in (for years).
I have repaired permissions, thrown away plists and such.
*System Profiler* identifies the isight as an *'unknown device'*, which i find quite disturbing since i have not downloaded and/or installed anything prior to the malfunction and the subsequent lack of recognition of this cam.
This is certainly *not a User specific* issue, certainly *not a software specific issue*, certainly *not a problem with the cam* (unless it dies without even being touched of course)
Any further advice Very Welcome, i use this cam daily for my work.

Welcome to Discussions, Floatstone
You can use the suggestions in How to test your iSight to ensure it is functional to try to identify and correct the user-repairable issues I know about for external iSight.
Anything that people make can fail. Based on the troubleshooting you have already done, if your issue is not cables, connectors, or Firewire, it may be that your iSight itself needs repair. In that case, you will need the help of Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider. There are no user-serviceable parts in iSight.
EZ Jim
PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2) External iSight

Built-in iSight not working in Safari/Firefox after 10.6 or 10.6.1 update

Hello,
My built-in iSight is no longer working in Safari or Firefox. For example, if I were to go to a website to broadcast my webcam, the flash applet comes up asking to allow/deny the use of camera, I allow, but the camera does not engage (green light does not turn on).
The iSight works fine in Photo booth, skype, iChat etc...
I've had this problem since 10.6, and updated 10.6.1 with no luck.
Thanks,
Lee

danleedham wrote:
Is this anything like what I'm getting:
My iSight is working for Photobooth but no other app. Skype, Safari/Firefox, CamCamX etc. All I get is a pure green screen. To confuse you further when I chose what camera to use it either says "Built in iSight" or "Built in iSight Leopard" - Leopard gives me a green screen and no leo gives me the issue "in use with another application".
sorry if this is off topic
Hello danleedham
From these symptoms, you have software problems. It may be difficult to determine precisely where.
If you have not yet used your Disk Utility to repair permissions, do so now and then test again.
If permissions repair does not help, test with other Apple apps like iMovie and iChat. If even Apple apps give problems, create a new user account as suggested in http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 and test the Apple apps again.
If nothing but PhotoBooth works in any user account you test, and especially if you still see different camera error messages, either seek help from an Apple Service Technician or backup all important files and then reinstall your Macs software. After reinstalling your Mac software, test iSight with Apple apps before reinstalling any third party apps. If you can make iSight work reliably, add any necessary third party apps and peripherals one-at-a-time, testing between each addition. This kind of testing will let you determine whether your software is properly installed and whether any of your non-Apple system elements is causing your trouble.
EZ Jim
MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz w/Mac OS X (10.6.1) 2.93Ghz Quad Core Mac Pro w/Mac OS X (10.6.1)
G5DP1.8GHz (10.5.8) G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) LED Cinema Display External iSight

External iSight not working on Powerbook G4

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